What does "under the law of Christ" mean in practical terms? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Point in 1 Corinthians 9:21 “ To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) so as to win those without the law.” (1 Corinthians 9:21) • Paul flexes his personal freedoms to reach every group, yet he never steps outside God’s moral boundary. • “Under the law of Christ” signals that even while adapting, he remains joyfully bound to Christ’s commands. Defining “Law of Christ” • The sum of Jesus’ own teachings and example, expressed most clearly in His command of love. • Key texts: – John 13:34: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” – Matthew 22:37-40: Love for God and neighbor hangs “all the Law and the Prophets.” – Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • It is a real, binding law—yet it operates through grace and the Spirit rather than external regulation. How the Law of Christ Differs from the Mosaic Law • Source – Mosaic Law: given through Moses at Sinai. – Law of Christ: spoken by the incarnate Son and sealed by His cross and resurrection. • Scope – Mosaic Law: 613 commands governing Israel’s civic, ceremonial, and moral life. – Law of Christ: centers on love that fulfills every moral demand (Romans 13:8-10). • Power – Mosaic Law diagnosed sin but could not break its power. – Law of Christ comes with the Spirit’s enabling: “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free” (Romans 8:2). • Freedom – Mosaic ordinances (food, festivals, sacrifices) pointed forward to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17). – Under Christ, believers serve “in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code” (Romans 7:6). Practical Ways to Live Under the Law of Christ • Abide in Christ’s words—daily Scripture intake and obedience (John 15:10). • Love sacrificially: – Seek others’ highest good, even at personal cost. – Actively forgive, encourage, and serve. • Carry burdens (Galatians 6:2): step into another’s load with time, resources, and prayer. • Display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); these qualities show Christ’s law written on the heart. • Practice moral integrity: flee immorality, dishonesty, and idolatry, because Christ’s lordship is comprehensive. • Use freedom missionally, like Paul—adapt non-essentials to remove obstacles to the gospel while never compromising truth. • Rely on the Spirit, not willpower: “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Measure choices by love: if it does not build up another or honor Christ, let it go (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). Key Takeaways • “Under the law of Christ” means joyfully subject to Jesus’ authority and empowered by His Spirit. • Love is the core command; every moral directive flows from it. • Freedom from Mosaic ceremonial obligations is not freedom from obedience—Christ’s law calls for deeper, Spirit-energized righteousness. • Living this way makes the gospel attractive, strengthens the church, and honors the Savior who fulfilled the Law for us and writes it on our hearts. |
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